Frazil and Luke McAteer (yellow) lead them home© Photo Healy Racing
The Jim Bolger-trained Frazil found another gear in the closing stages to run out a cosy winner of the mile maiden at Naas. Ballsbridge led over two furlongs from home and looked to have things in control as his market rival toiled in second passing the furlong marker.
Luke McAteer conjured another run from Frazil inside the final furlong though as the 9/4 favourite prevailed in the closing stages for a length-and-a-quarter success.
It was a second career outing for the Dawn Approach colt, who had been fifth on his debut at the Curragh back in March.
Ger Flynn, travelling head lad, said afterwards:- “We hold the horse in high regard but he’s been coughing most of the year like a lot of our horses and its just been hard to get him right.
“Luke said he was a bit green and the ground is probably a bit too soft for him.
“Its his first run since the beginning of the year and you can see he came over for the better ground. Once he hit the better ground on the stands side he flew home and Luke felt he’ll get further
“It’s lovely for (owners) Clare and Una (Manning) and the boss, they kept faith in him. Hopefully its onwards and upwards from here.”
The winner is a full-brother to 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes winner Poetic Flare.
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
